
Full Answer
How do expansion joints in concrete work?
Expansion joints work by allowing the concrete to move slightly in warmer and colder weather. These are necessary in order for the concrete to remain intact and not break or crack . If the concrete did not have expansion joints, it would more than likely crack from the extremes it faces of heat and cold. add a comment.
How to install expansion joints in a concrete driveway?
- – So, a driveway expansion joint, as a rule, is from 1/2-inch to 3/4-inch (12.7 mm to 19 mm) wide and as deep as the driveway is thick (5 to ...
- – All sidewalks should be at least 4 inches thick.
- – The expansion joint may be placed a little below the top surface of the sidewalk if you are rounding the edge or giving a sharp edge detail to the ...
What is an expansion joint in construction?
Types of Expansion Joint
- Bridge Expansion Joint. Bridge expansion joints are designed to allow for continuous traffic between structures while accommodating movement, shrinkage, and temperature variations on reinforced and prestressed concrete, composite, and ...
- Masonry Expansion Joint. Clay bricks expand as they absorb heat and moisture. ...
- Railway Expansion Joints. ...
Do expansion joints require reinforcement?
To deal with the various forces on the joint they require fiber reinforcement, which guarantees both flexibility and strength. Rubber expansion joints combine a rubber matrix and a reinforcing material, so high strength to weight ratios can be achieved. The reinforcing material, usually a kind of fiber, provides the strength and stiffness.

What is expansion joint?
In building construction, an expansion joint is a mid-structure separation designed to relieve stress on building materials caused by building movement. Building movement at expansion joints is primarily induced by:
What is a movement joint?
The term “movement joint” has been widely adopted in preference as it more appropriately encompasses the fact that building movement results in both compression and expansion of the material installed. For example, when a structure heats up, the building materials from which it is built expand.
What is waterproofing on a slab?
Waterproofing is handled on the structural slab by a buried waterproofing membrane. The expansion joint bisects all of the building elements including the structural slab, membrane, and wear course (bricks). Sealing this type of joint requires a specialized system.
What files are used to design continuity of seal?
Expansion joint CAD details, 3-D inventor files, isometric, axonometric, and BIM files can assist in designing for continuity of seal.
When is continuity of seal achieved?
Continuity of seal at changes in plane and direction, and between expansion joint systems, is achieved when factory-fabricated transition assemblies are specified and installed.
Why is non-invasive anchoring important?
Additionally, because wall expansion joint materials interface with facade materials that should not be penetrated with fasteners , non-invasive anchoring is a desirable feature. Conversely, when the temperature drops, the materials cool causing the joint gap to open.
What is CS edge protection?
CS’ exclusive edge protection eliminates cracking and chipping and cracking of pavers.
Can CS cover be installed in interior?
CS' Virtually Invisible Covers can be installed in interior or exterior applications. The cover's modular pan can include any flooring material.
Can CS build seismic cover?
No company can come close to our experience and expertise handling cutting edge seismic projects. From standard solutions to highly engineered systems like corridors, base isolations, even stairs, CS can create a cover to meet your project requirements.
Movement
Buildings are built with intentional gaps to handle the natural shifting and movement from nature…these gaps are architectural expansion joints. When designing your building, there are three main types of movement to consider: thermal, seismic and wind sway.
Loading
Standard, Moderate and Heavy Duty are designations as they relate to load ratings. These are provided as a guideline to assist in making a preliminary product selection for a given application.
Aesthetic
While the aesthetic may not be at the top of the list when selecting expansion joint covers it can luckily still be part of the equation. JointMaster offers a wide array of systems to meet both your structural and design needs.
